Film lovers, you're going to want to save time on the last Monday of this month - and the next one, and the one after that.
The first three films in the Arts Council of New Westminster's Last Mondays at the Movies lineup have been announced, and they're good ones!
This month, on Sept. 26, you can check out Jane Eyre, Cary Fukunaga's adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's classic novel.
Its powerhouse cast includes Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins, Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowska.
In October, you can enjoy Barney's Version, the critically acclaimed film adaptation of Mordecai Richler's bestselling novel.
It's on screen Oct. 31,
starring Paul Giamatti, Dustin Hoffman, Minnie Driver and Rosamund Pike. (This one, by the way, I caught at the Vancouver International Film Festival last year, and I can heartily recommend it. Fantastic acting by the whole cast - especially Giamatti as Barney.)
In November, the focus shifts to the political thriller The Debt, on screen Nov. 28.
It stars Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson, Sam Worthington and Ciaran Hinds.
The Last Mondays at the Movies series is presented in conjunction with the Toronto International Film Festival's Film Circuit and brings award-winning Canadian, international and independent films to the Massey Theatre on the last Monday of each month.
Single tickets are $9, or you can get a season pass for $70. Call the arts council at 604-525-3244.
SPIRITED COMEDY
You'll be seeing more on this, but for now, a heads-up to you theatre lovers.
The Vagabond Players are opening their 2011/12 season with the comedy Spirit Level.
It's running at the Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen's Park from Oct. 6 to 29.
The play tells the story of Susie Cameron and her husband, Jack - who, annoyed to find themselves killed in a tragic accident, have taken up residence as ghosts in their former cottage. But when a young couple arrives who may, in fact, be just what the ghosts are looking for - well, life may work out for everyone.
The show is directed by Dale Kelly, and it stars Mike and Catherine Busswood.
Shows are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15 regular, $13 for seniors and $5 for students. Reserve by calling 604-521-0412 or email reservations@vagabond players.ca.
For more, check out www.vagabondplayers.ca.
ART SHOW SET
Art lovers, take note. A group of local artists is joining forces for an art show and sale on Oct. 15 at Dunwood Place, 901 Colborne St.
The show, which is happening in the 11th-floor lounge, will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include work in a variety of mediums - including paintings, prints, photographic prints, postcards and art cards.
The show is being hosted by MAC - My Artist's Corner, a group of artists who live with mental illnesses.
MAC is designed to help provide a welcoming environment for members to produce, display and sell art, to offer members high-quality instruction in art techniques and to promote artists' work in the community at large.
"We value the opportunity, in terms of space, time, and materials, to create art, which in turn increases self-confidence, reduces isolation and helps in developing social skills," notes the group's mission statement. "As we build supportive relationships with our peers, we find new ways to express ourselves and to forge new connections with the larger community."
See www.myartists corner.ca for more on the group.
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send ideas to Julie, jmaclellan@royalcity record.com.
